Explore 10 essential secrets for a happy and healthy vagina, covering everything from proper hygiene and choosing the right underwear to the importance of Kegel exercises and avoiding harmful products.
In the world of women’s health, we all come together and tackle a variety of different aspects of life. From the latest fashion trends to how to achieve a healthy intimate area, each and every one of us strives to build on our personal experiences to live a life free of ailments. But is this information accurate? Can you apply it to maintaining your vaginal health?
Tips to Help Maintain Vaginal Health
To make things easier for you, we’ve gathered as much helpful advice as possible on how to help you maintain your vaginal health and the well-being of your reproductive system:
1. Wear Cotton Underwear
Did you know that the vagina prefers certain types of fabric over others? Wearing cotton underwear ventilates the vaginal area. Cotton helps this area breathe and prevents moisture build-up.
2. Practice Kegel Exercises Regularly
You should focus on Kegel exercises specifically because of their proven ability to strengthen the pelvic floor. It’s also recommended to make these exercises a daily habit along with your regular workout routine. By doing so, you’ll maintain the strength of the pelvic floor. These exercises help reduce issues like urinary incontinence, which many women experience. It’s also advised that women continue these exercises after childbirth.
3. Vaginal Douching
Vaginal douching affects the growth of good bacteria in the vaginal area, which is extremely important for maintaining vaginal health and protecting the area from various infections.
However, you should be careful about the type of douche you use. Scented douches increase your risk of infections, so avoid this type.
4. Avoid Cleaning the Vagina from the Inside
Did you know that the vagina cleans itself? This means you don’t need to clean it from the inside at all. Using different products can increase the risk of infections in the area, so stick to cleaning the external area with water and mild, unscented soap regularly to avoid irritating the area.
5. Avoid Using Scented Products
Using scented products affects the beneficial bacteria in the vaginal area, which exposes it to infections.
Of course, there are times when using these products is necessary after consulting a doctor, but try to limit your use of them in this area to minimize the potential harm from scented products.
6. Choosing the Right Soap
You might think that using body soap with fragrance is suitable for the vaginal area, but beware of this overuse! Doing so will make the area dry and prone to irritation, so use mild, fragrance-free soaps or just water instead.
7. Keep the Vaginal Area Dry
It’s important for maintaining vaginal health to avoid wearing damp underwear for long periods, as this helps keep the vaginal area ventilated and dry.
So, change your underwear when you feel damp and make sure the area is completely dry to help maintain good health.
8. Wipe from Front to Back
Always remember this rule when cleaning the vaginal area after using the restroom. Wiping from front to back protects the area from harmful bacteria and prevents their spread if they are present.
9. Urinate After Intercourse
Be sure to wash away any remaining semen after intercourse, as semen has a higher alkaline pH level than the vagina’s natural acidity.
Women are also advised to see a doctor if the pain persists or if there’s no relief after intercourse, as post-coital urination helps you get rid of any harmful bacteria that may have entered the area during intercourse.
10. Use Cotton Panty Liners Daily
Using cotton panty liners daily helps keep the area clean and gives you a feeling of comfort and confidence throughout your day. For maintaining vaginal health, we advise you to:
* Avoid using cotton pads and panty liners for extended periods. Try to change cotton pads every 6-8 hours at most, because leaving them in for longer periods exposes you to what’s known as Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS). This is a rare but serious condition that affects women due to a blood infection caused by the presence of a foreign object inside the vagina.
* Change cotton panty liners every 6-8 hours as well to maintain cleanliness and health in the area.
FAQ
* Is douching necessary for vaginal hygiene?
No, the vagina is self-cleaning. Douching can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria and increase the risk of infections.
* Can scented soaps or washes be used for the vagina?
No, these products can cause irritation and disrupt the natural pH balance. Use mild, unscented products or just plain water.
Myth
* Myth: The vagina needs to be cleaned with special products.
Fact: The vagina is self-cleaning and doesn’t require special products. Using them can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria and increase the risk of infections.
